Warrick Dunn gives homes to single moms

DADE CITY - Mary Salazar burst into tears when she saw Warrick Dunn standing at her front door.

"I didn't believe it. When I saw him, it was just shocking," she said.

Salazar worked for hundreds of hours to build her new home in Dade City through Habitat for Humanity. She knew she would get the keys Tuesday, but had no idea Dunn would be there with a check for $5,000.00 to help with the down payment and furniture for the entire home.

Dunn's foundation helps single mothers with down payment assistance, furniture and supplies for the entire house after they complete work on the home. Salazar was one of three mothers who got keys and a fully furnished house Tuesday.

Christina Clare gasped as she walked into her fully stocked new home Tuesday.

"We would have had no furniture at all, at all, had nothing other than comforter sets a few dishes," Clare said.

Since its founding 13 years ago, Dunn's foundation has helped 97 single mothers, 40 in the Bay Area.

But the tough economy is making the Dunn Foundation's work more challenging.

"It is an uphill battle," said foundation president Chris Knopik. "People and companies do the best they can, but the dollars just aren't there right now."

Dunn is undeterred, however. "When you see the expression and the excitement when they walk through a door, and walk from room to room -- you know what, you're doing it life changing," Dunn said. "It never gets old."

For more information visit www.warrickdunnfoundation.org